These four three-pearl villas (plus outdoor pools!) are a stylish alternative for laid-back groups and families in the surf mecca of Santa Teresa. Tucked peacefully in the hills, the contemporary, Southeast Asian-inspired villas range from two- to four-bedroom units, and have full kitchens, patios, and barbecues. Guests don't need a car as they're a five-minute walk to Playa Carmen's waves, as well as restaurants and a grocery store. Charismatic owners Soraya and Trent, go out of their way to provide personable service and will gladly arrange transportation and activities. Not to be missed: Trent's guaranteed-to-get-up surf lesson.
These four three-pearl villas (plus outdoor pools!) are a stylish alternative for laid-back groups and families in the surf mecca of Santa Teresa. Tucked peacefully in the hills, the contemporary, Southeast Asian-inspired villas range from two- to four-bedroom units, and have full kitchens, patios, and barbecues. Guests don't need a car as they're a five-minute walk to Playa Carmen's waves, as well as restaurants and a grocery store. Charismatic owners Soraya and Trent, go out of their way to provide personable service and will gladly arrange transportation and activities. Not to be missed: Trent's guaranteed-to-get-up surf lesson.
This intimate, Balinese-inspired resort has 10 villas (one- and two-bedrooms) on the north edge of Santa Teresa. It's no wonder that Pranamar specializes in yoga and surfing -- it has, arguably, the best yoga studio in town (with daily classes), and is within walking distance of some of the area's best waves at Playa Hermosa. Between these activities (hiking and horseback riding are also possible) there is a peaceful pool and breezy beach for hanging out with a drink from the tiki bar. Guests can dine on healthy fare at Buddha Eyes (à la carte breakfasts are included), which turns romantic at night, before heading back to authentic villas made mostly of local wood -- just make sure to close the shades. Couples seeking more privacy should consider neighboring Florblanca Resort.
This intimate, Balinese-inspired resort has 10 villas (one- and two-bedrooms) on the north edge of Santa Teresa. It's no wonder that Pranamar specializes in yoga and surfing -- it has, arguably, the best yoga studio in town (with daily classes), and is within walking distance of some of the area's best waves at Playa Hermosa. Between these activities (hiking and horseback riding are also possible) there is a peaceful pool and breezy beach for hanging out with a drink from the tiki bar. Guests can dine on healthy fare at Buddha Eyes (à la carte breakfasts are included), which turns romantic at night, before heading back to authentic villas made mostly of local wood -- just make sure to close the shades. Couples seeking more privacy should consider neighboring Florblanca Resort.
Funky Monkey Lodge is a two-and-a-half-pearl yoga-focused hotel set on a tranquil Santa Teresa hillside. Its 10 units are a mix of suites, bungalows, apartments, and dorms with safes, refrigerators, and fans. The posher rooms have air-conditioning, ocean views, flat-screen TVs, and kitchenettes, though others are more basic. The small pool is a nice addition, and the open-air yoga studio has ocean views and daily classes (the aerial-silk classes are a particularly cool addition). Expect tasty international cuisine and great ocean views in the restaurant, which often uses organic ingredients. There's also a shared kitchen, billiard and ping-pong tables, free Wi-Fi, and parking. For a yoga-centered stay closer to the beach with cute bungalows, a tasty restaurant, and a small spa, it’s worth pricing out Otro Lado Lodge and Restaurant.
Funky Monkey Lodge is a two-and-a-half-pearl yoga-focused hotel set on a tranquil Santa Teresa hillside. Its 10 units are a mix of suites, bungalows, apartments, and dorms with safes, refrigerators, and fans. The posher rooms have air-conditioning, ocean views, flat-screen TVs, and kitchenettes, though others are more basic. The small pool is a nice addition, and the open-air yoga studio has ocean views and daily classes (the aerial-silk classes are a particularly cool addition). Expect tasty international cuisine and great ocean views in the restaurant, which often uses organic ingredients. There's also a shared kitchen, billiard and ping-pong tables, free Wi-Fi, and parking. For a yoga-centered stay closer to the beach with cute bungalows, a tasty restaurant, and a small spa, it’s worth pricing out Otro Lado Lodge and Restaurant.
Latitude 10 Beachfront Resort is a three-pearl oceanfront property along a quiet stretch of Santa Teresa’s gorgeous surfer beach. It’s five casitas and one guest room are rustic, and include amazing open-air bathrooms. Keep in mind that while the villas all have private balconies, they aren’t air-conditioned and there are no TVs -- a plus for some. The infinity pool has ocean views and Latitude 10’s restaurant serves delicious (but expensive) local and international cuisine. Tasty breakfasts are included with all stays. Freebies are generous, ranging from yoga and Pilates classes to boogie boards, bikes, and snorkeling equipment. Keep in mind that the beach out front isn't swimmable. For an oceanfront stay with more design-centric villas -- but no on-site restaurant -- it’s worth pricing out the nearby Red Palm Villas.
Latitude 10 Beachfront Resort is a three-pearl oceanfront property along a quiet stretch of Santa Teresa’s gorgeous surfer beach. It’s five casitas and one guest room are rustic, and include amazing open-air bathrooms. Keep in mind that while the villas all have private balconies, they aren’t air-conditioned and there are no TVs -- a plus for some. The infinity pool has ocean views and Latitude 10’s restaurant serves delicious (but expensive) local and international cuisine. Tasty breakfasts are included with all stays. Freebies are generous, ranging from yoga and Pilates classes to boogie boards, bikes, and snorkeling equipment. Keep in mind that the beach out front isn't swimmable. For an oceanfront stay with more design-centric villas -- but no on-site restaurant -- it’s worth pricing out the nearby Red Palm Villas.
Otro Lado Lodge and Restaurant is a three-pearl Zen-infused hotel across the street from gorgeous Santa Teresa Beach. Its 11 air-conditioned rooms, Lodges, and stand-alone House are modern, with rustic touches like live-edge furniture, plus air-conditioning and rainfall showers. The restaurant serves tasty local, international, and Italian cuisine and is open for breakfast and lunch. Free breakfasts are included with all stays. Otro Lado has a small spa and a tranquil yoga studio. Yoga and Tai Chi classes are regularly offered (for a fee) and yoga mats are free to borrow. Other amenities include a big pool with bamboo lounge chairs, plus free Wi-Fi and parking. For an equally yoga-inspired stay with lush grounds, panoramic ocean views, and a tasty restaurant, it’s worth pricing out Funky Monkey Lodge.
Otro Lado Lodge and Restaurant is a three-pearl Zen-infused hotel across the street from gorgeous Santa Teresa Beach. Its 11 air-conditioned rooms, Lodges, and stand-alone House are modern, with rustic touches like live-edge furniture, plus air-conditioning and rainfall showers. The restaurant serves tasty local, international, and Italian cuisine and is open for breakfast and lunch. Free breakfasts are included with all stays. Otro Lado has a small spa and a tranquil yoga studio. Yoga and Tai Chi classes are regularly offered (for a fee) and yoga mats are free to borrow. Other amenities include a big pool with bamboo lounge chairs, plus free Wi-Fi and parking. For an equally yoga-inspired stay with lush grounds, panoramic ocean views, and a tasty restaurant, it’s worth pricing out Funky Monkey Lodge.
This boutique beachfront resort in Santa Teresa with 11 standalone villas epitomizes laid-back luxury. Designed for privacy and a connection with nature, the one- and two-bedroom options (and three-bedroom Surf House) have spacious open-air living areas and bathrooms. Health nuts will be spoilt for choice with daily classes in the wooden yoga dojo (a certain Brazilian supermodel comes here when in town), a Pilates studio, a renovated fitness center, and surfing and stand up-paddle boarding. For relaxation, there are seemingly endless beach walks, an outdoor pool, a spa, and quality cuisine at romantic Nectar. Not surprisingly, all of this comes at a pretty penny -- the highest prices in town, in fact. Also worth checking out is Pranamar Oceanfront Villas, with slightly lower rates.
This boutique beachfront resort in Santa Teresa with 11 standalone villas epitomizes laid-back luxury. Designed for privacy and a connection with nature, the one- and two-bedroom options (and three-bedroom Surf House) have spacious open-air living areas and bathrooms. Health nuts will be spoilt for choice with daily classes in the wooden yoga dojo (a certain Brazilian supermodel comes here when in town), a Pilates studio, a renovated fitness center, and surfing and stand up-paddle boarding. For relaxation, there are seemingly endless beach walks, an outdoor pool, a spa, and quality cuisine at romantic Nectar. Not surprisingly, all of this comes at a pretty penny -- the highest prices in town, in fact. Also worth checking out is Pranamar Oceanfront Villas, with slightly lower rates.
Casa Zen Guest House and Yoga Center is a two-and-a-half-pearl guest house near gorgeous Santa Teresa Beach, a well-known surf spot. While the hotel's name might conjure chic style, this is really a hostel and its 12 rooms are a mix of dorms, private rooms with shared bathrooms, and a big apartment with a full kitchen. Expect African or Mayan masks, Asian-themed tapestry comforters, and ceiling fans, as none of the rooms are air-conditioned. There’s a beautiful open-air yoga studio and multiple daily classes are offered (for a fee). Freebies include simple breakfasts and Wi-Fi. Bikes, surfboards, and boogie boards are also available to rent. For a yoga-friendly option with a tasty restaurant, gorgeous pool, and ocean-view yoga studio, it’s worth pricing out Funky Monkey Lodge instead.
Casa Zen Guest House and Yoga Center is a two-and-a-half-pearl guest house near gorgeous Santa Teresa Beach, a well-known surf spot. While the hotel's name might conjure chic style, this is really a hostel and its 12 rooms are a mix of dorms, private rooms with shared bathrooms, and a big apartment with a full kitchen. Expect African or Mayan masks, Asian-themed tapestry comforters, and ceiling fans, as none of the rooms are air-conditioned. There’s a beautiful open-air yoga studio and multiple daily classes are offered (for a fee). Freebies include simple breakfasts and Wi-Fi. Bikes, surfboards, and boogie boards are also available to rent. For a yoga-friendly option with a tasty restaurant, gorgeous pool, and ocean-view yoga studio, it’s worth pricing out Funky Monkey Lodge instead.
This budget-friendly eight-room hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean was opened in 2001 by an Argentinian couple who keeps the place clean and simple (they also live on-site). The picturesque lawn -- great for sunsets -- is located above surfer town Santa Teresa, and guests stay in shape by hoofing it back and forth to Playa Carmen's beach and steady waves. Low-priced rooms (either with fans or air-conditioning) do not have TVs or much outdoor privacy, but each is equipped with a private bathroom and mini-fridge. A walking path leads to an outdoor pool and open-air restaurant, but the natural, unfenced property is not safe for little kids or those who have had one too many cocktails.
This budget-friendly eight-room hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean was opened in 2001 by an Argentinian couple who keeps the place clean and simple (they also live on-site). The picturesque lawn -- great for sunsets -- is located above surfer town Santa Teresa, and guests stay in shape by hoofing it back and forth to Playa Carmen's beach and steady waves. Low-priced rooms (either with fans or air-conditioning) do not have TVs or much outdoor privacy, but each is equipped with a private bathroom and mini-fridge. A walking path leads to an outdoor pool and open-air restaurant, but the natural, unfenced property is not safe for little kids or those who have had one too many cocktails.
Hotel Playa Carmen is a two-and-a-half-pearl hotel a short walk from Playa Carmen Beach, one of the many gorgeous Santa Teresa beaches. The hotel recently changed ownership and is slated for a big overhaul. During our winter 2017 visit, its 23 available air-conditioned rooms were a mix of Suites, Standard, and Deluxe Rooms with flat-screen TVs, hardwood armchairs, and private balconies. The Standard Rooms could use some TLC, as we spotted worn furniture. There's also a small pool, and hotel freebies are limited to parking and Wi-Fi. For a more tropical stay with a lush grounds, a pool, a yoga studio, and a short walk to the beach, it's worth pricing out Otro Lado Lodge and Restaurant.
Hotel Playa Carmen is a two-and-a-half-pearl hotel a short walk from Playa Carmen Beach, one of the many gorgeous Santa Teresa beaches. The hotel recently changed ownership and is slated for a big overhaul. During our winter 2017 visit, its 23 available air-conditioned rooms were a mix of Suites, Standard, and Deluxe Rooms with flat-screen TVs, hardwood armchairs, and private balconies. The Standard Rooms could use some TLC, as we spotted worn furniture. There's also a small pool, and hotel freebies are limited to parking and Wi-Fi. For a more tropical stay with a lush grounds, a pool, a yoga studio, and a short walk to the beach, it's worth pricing out Otro Lado Lodge and Restaurant.
Hotel Tropico Latino is a three-pearl oceanfront hotel on the south side of Santa Teresa, a tranquil (and dusty) Costa Rican surf and yoga town. The hotel’s 20 air-conditioned rooms (some with ocean views) are a mix of modern, clean-lined hotel rooms with flat-screen TVs and comfortably rustic bungalows with vaulted ceilings and hardwood and stone accents. All rooms have big balconies or patios. The tasty, oceanfront restaurant has beautiful views and breakfasts are especially delicious. Hotel amenities include a gorgeous beach with lots of hammocks and chairs, a rain forest surrounded freshwater pool with cold-water whirlpool, daily yoga classes (for a fee), and ocean-view massage rooms. However, rocks make it too dangerous to swim directly off the beach. For a beachfront stay with gorgeous open-air villas, quiet beach, and infinity pool, it’s worth exploring Latitude 10 Beachfront Resort.
Hotel Tropico Latino is a three-pearl oceanfront hotel on the south side of Santa Teresa, a tranquil (and dusty) Costa Rican surf and yoga town. The hotel’s 20 air-conditioned rooms (some with ocean views) are a mix of modern, clean-lined hotel rooms with flat-screen TVs and comfortably rustic bungalows with vaulted ceilings and hardwood and stone accents. All rooms have big balconies or patios. The tasty, oceanfront restaurant has beautiful views and breakfasts are especially delicious. Hotel amenities include a gorgeous beach with lots of hammocks and chairs, a rain forest surrounded freshwater pool with cold-water whirlpool, daily yoga classes (for a fee), and ocean-view massage rooms. However, rocks make it too dangerous to swim directly off the beach. For a beachfront stay with gorgeous open-air villas, quiet beach, and infinity pool, it’s worth exploring Latitude 10 Beachfront Resort.